Brevard County

Cocoa K9 found dead in back of patrol vehicle, police say

Cocoa police K9 found dead in back of patrol vehicle Cocoa police K9 found dead in back of patrol vehicle (Cocoa Police Department/Cocoa Police Department)
(Cocoa Police Department/Cocoa Police Department)

COCOA, Fla. — A K9 was found dead in the back of her patrol vehicle Wednesday afternoon, according to the Cocoa Police Department.

Zena, a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois, was trained and certified in April for patrol work, according to the police department.

READ: 3 people injured in drive-by shooting near Parramore

“Her handler found her when he went to check on her during a training class at the Criminal Justice Academy in Melbourne,” the police department said in a news release.

An active investigation is underway to determine the cause of death and if department policies and procedures were followed.

READ: Police name person of interest in death of 3-year-old boy

In a statement, the police department said it is “heartbroken” about the death of its “newest patrol dog.”

Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.

0